Simplifying Medicare

Understanding your options

MEDICARE 101

Part A

Hospital Insurance

Part B

Medical Insurance

Part C

Medicare Advantage Plans

Part D

Prescription Drug Plans

Medigap

Medicare Supplement

When can I start Medicare?

ELIGIBILITY

The earliest you may begin your Medicare is on the first day of the month you turn 65. If you’re born on the first of the month, you’re eligible for the first of the preceding month.

For example, if you are turning 65 on May 17, 2026, then you can start Medicare on May 1, 2026. But if your 65th birthday is on May 1, 2026, then you can begin on April 1, 2026. You can skip enrolling in Medicare at 65 if you have other creditable coverage. When your creditable coverage ends, you’ll get a special enrollment period to join Medicare without any penalties.

If you’re receiving social security disability or have qualifying health conditions, you may be eligible much earlier.

Send us a message for more details on eligibility.

Contact us
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Enrolling during the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)

ENROLLMENT

The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) is your once-a-year opportunity to review and update your Medicare coverage. It runs from October 15 to December 7 each year and applies to Medicare Advantage (Part C) and Medicare Prescription Drug (Part D) plans.

During this period, you can:

  • Enroll in a new Medicare Advantage or Part D plan

  • Switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another

  • Change from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan

  • Drop a Medicare Advantage plan and return to Original Medicare

The AEP is the perfect time to ensure your coverage still meets your health needs and budget, compare plan options, and make adjustments for the year ahead. Any changes you make during this period take effect on January 1 of the following year.

Learn more

Ready to enroll?

OUR MEDICARE SERVICES

Medicare Supplement plans, also called Medigap, are designed to cover specific healthcare costs that Original Medicare Parts A & B does not cover, such as copays, coinsurance, and deductibles.

Medicare Supplements (Medigap)

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  • You must be enrolled in Medicare Parts A & B to sign up.

  • If you enroll during your initial Medicare enrollment, insurers cannot deny you or charge higher premiums for pre-existing conditions.

  • Plan G and Plan N are the most popular options, providing broad coverage with predictable costs.

  • Vary depending on your insurer, location, and selected plan.

Medigap plans are ideal if you want the freedom to see any doctor who accepts Medicare while having predictable out-of-pocket costs.

Medicare Advantage plans combine Part A, Part B, and often Part D (prescription drug coverage) into a single plan. Many plans also offer extra benefits like dental, vision, and hearing coverage.

Medicare Advantage (Part C)

An elderly couple smiling and holding hands on a beach with the ocean in the background.

  • About half of Medicare beneficiaries choose Medicare Advantage for its convenience and extra benefits.

  • Most plans work like employer-provided insurance — you often must use in-network providers for the lowest costs (HMO plans) or pay higher costs out-of-network (PPO plans).

  • Plans are regional, so coverage may be limited if you travel or move.

  • While some benefits exceed Original Medicare, copays and coinsurance may be higher.

Medicare Advantage is a good option if you want all-in-one coverage with potential extra benefits and are comfortable with provider networks.

Dual eligible individuals qualify for both Medicare and full state Medicaid benefits. This provides access to additional financial support for healthcare costs.

Dual Eligible (Medicare + Medicaid)

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  • Some dual-eligible individuals can enroll in these Medicare Advantage plans with extra benefits beyond standard Medicare and Medicaid.

  • Medicare covers most standard services, while Medicaid helps pay for copays, coinsurance, deductibles, and premiums.

  • Medicaid may also cover services not included in Medicare or D-SNP plans, such as long-term care.

Dual eligibility ensures comprehensive coverage for both routine care and additional out-of-pocket costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Medicare is health insurance for people ages 65 or older, under age 65 with certain disabilities, and any age with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant). Medicare has the following parts:

    • Part A (Covers Hospitalization)

    • Part B (Medical Insurance, covers testing and doctor visits)

    • Part C (Medicare Advantage Plans, like an HMO or PPO)

    • Part D (Medicare prescription drug coverage)

    For more information check out Medicare and You

  • It depends on your situation:

    If you’re still working and covered by group benefits -
    Ask your HR department these important questions:

    • Can you stay on your group benefits after turning 65?

    • Do they require you to enroll in Medicare Part B?

    • How much are your monthly group benefit premiums?

    • Do you have family members on your plan?

    • How often do you use your current benefits?

    Once you have these answers, give us a call and we can help you decide whether staying with your group or enrolling in Medicare is the best option. In many cases, staying with your group coverage could be the right choice.

    If you’re not covered by group benefits:
    You’ll want to start Medicare Part A and Part B. Coverage begins the first day of the month you turn 65 (or the month before, if your birthday is on the 1st).

    Important to know:

    • There are no penalties for delaying Medicare Part B if you have qualified group coverage.

    • You may still want to sign up for Part A only while working. Part A usually has no premium and can make things easier when you retire.

  • It depends on your situation:

    • Turning 65:

      • If you already receive Social Security benefits, you’ll be automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B.

      • Your Medicare card will arrive in the mail about 3–4 months before your birth month.

    • Coming off group benefits:

      • Plan ahead—start about 2 months before your group health coverage ends.

      • Ask your HR department for the official Medicare form that proves you’ve had group coverage since turning 65. This form ensures you won’t face late-enrollment penalties.

    Next steps:
    Once you know your timeline, give us a call. We’ll walk you through the process and help you explore the Medicare options that fit your needs best.

  • No. We’re not limited to just Medicare supplements. While Medicare is our primary focus, we also help clients with a wide range of coverage options, including:

    • Medicare Advantage plans

    • Dual Eligible plans

    • Individual health insurance

    • Short-term health insurance

    • Ongoing care outside of the hospital

    • Home health plans

    • Short-term care

    • Long-term care

    • Hybrid long-term care solutions

    • Life insurance (including term life)

    Our goal is to match you with the coverage that best fits your health and financial needs, not to limit your options.